CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

The acronym TIPS stands for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt. This medical procedure is primarily used to treat patients with severe liver disease, where it creates a pathway between the portal and systemic venous systems. The procedure involves placing a shunt—in other words, a tube—through the liver to redirect blood flow and alleviate portal hypertension, which can occur due to conditions such as cirrhosis.

This procedure is critical, as portal hypertension can lead to serious complications, including variceal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. The transjugular approach allows for access to the hepatic vein without the need for an open surgical procedure, making it less invasive and often safer for patients with compromised liver function.

Understanding the importance of this procedure in managing complications of liver disease underscores why this specific acronym is recognized within the medical community. Other options listed, while they incorporate similar medical terms, do not accurately define TIPS within this context.